Egypt has called for technology transfer alongside rather than just aid-based ties amidst the Korea-Africa partnership. The Egyptian foreign minister said this in an interview with Korean media.
Technology transfer important in the Korea-Africa partnership
The Egyptian foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, has said African countries need technology transfer, investment, and industrial cooperation rather than aid-based ties. The minister said this in an interview about the Egypt-Korea partnership.
In the interview with Korean media at the Embassy of Egypt in Seoul, technology transfer dominated the discussion. The Egyptian minister argued that Africa’s economic transformation depended on industrial know-how and localization.
“There are no jobs without technology transfer and localization. Africa is not just a market. It is also a destination for investment. We need deliverables. More investment, more trade, more technology cooperation, and more localization,” he said.
Moreover, the minister called for increased Korean investment in Egypt. He asked for a partnership based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
Furthermore, the minister also emphasized Egypt’s location, trade agreements, and access to Arab and African markets as motivating factors for Korea’s investment.
Badr Abdelatty also said that Korean companies can access a market of billions through Egypt. He urged the establishment of a Korean industrial zone in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone, saying that it offers enormous opportunities.
Egyptian minister discusses defense and regional security in partnership talks
During his interview, the Egyptian prime minister referenced the K-9 self-propelled howitzer program as an example of successful cooperation between Africa and Korea. However, he advocates for joint manufacturing as a priority.
“The most important issue is joint manufacturing. Egypt has the infrastructure and capacity, and we can work together on defense production,” he said.
Moreover, the minister called for safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. He also said that Egypt was working with regional partners to promote stability in the region.
Badr Abdelatty also spoke about the Palestinian issue, saying lasting regional stability depends on addressing it. He says Egypt would continue its peace negotiations efforts in Gaza, support a US-Iran agreement, and push for a settlement in Sudan.
Furthermore, when asked about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the minister said Egypt was opposed to nuclear proliferation. He stated that military escalation will not yield any results and that Egypt advocates for dialogue and de-escalation on the Korean Peninsula.